HSK 1 · VERSION 2.0#1
Expressing Actions in Progress with “zài”
在
How it works
在 (zài) is used before a verb to show that an action is happening right now. It is similar to “be doing” in English.
The pattern
Subject + 在 + Verb + Object
Example sentences
我在看书。
I am reading a book.
妈妈在做饭。
Mom is cooking.
他们在学校学习。
They are studying at school.
Usage note
Do not use 在 if you are just talking about a habit. It is only for an action in progress.